Concerned first time cruisers

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I was born and raised in Alaska, and my family had a fishing boat while I was growing up, so I'm used to being on smaller (30'-40') boats. However, nobody else in my family (DH, kids) is, and I've still gotten seasick a couple times. The only larger boat I've ever been on was the ferry from Wellington to Picton in New Zealand. I do get carsick, and DD gets badly air- and car-sick (Dramamine helps and we always carry sickness bags just in case). DH also spent a day sick when we went on a smaller sailboat out of Boston Habor (I was fine).

Anyway, I guess we'll try to find a 5 day cruise for our first time, and make sure we have an array of medications/patches with us! I've also heard midship is best for least movement?We'll probably opt for at least ocean view (looking at the horizon helps in my experience), and maybe a verandah (so we can get some fresh air).

 

[carolinagirl121]

Both my husband and I are in the Navy and are very used to being underway in heavy seas. Non-drowsy Dramamine is what I used when I first joined. A lot of people also use patches and the bracelets that put pressure on your wrists. I don't really have issues any more, but when I do, the best thing I can do is go outside, find the horizon and get wind on my face. That seems to remind the brain that the movement isn't as much as you think. If you can't go outside, make sure you are cool and lay down. The cruise ship stabilizers really tamp down a lot of the wave action.

 

[Bishoparc]

We took our first cruise the middle of last September. My wife gets motion sickness and I usually do not in general. We had bought some OTC medication but never ended up taking any. Other than our first night at sea when the weather was a little rough (62 MPH winds), we didn't feel the ship move at all. I felt it 2 or 3 times while we were in the show that first night during that weather because the theater is at one end of the ship (Dream) but while we were in our stateroom, midship on desk 10, we didn't feel a thing the entire time.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Definitely talk to your doctor. I highly recommend you bring scopalamine patches (the patch). They are safe with few drug interactions, fit easily behind the ear, and are extremely effective.

Dramamine works well for short duration. Ginger works well as a stomach calmer as well (so does peppermint). these are good solutions for a night you are not feeling well or a storm.

For extended sea sickness, you need something that is effective over time. The patch is a good solution for that (one patch lasts 3 days).

However as with any prescription medicine, you need to talk to your doctor about what is right FOR YOU.